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The British attempt to tighten control of trade and navigation after the French
and Indian War affected far more colonists than the Proclamation of 1763. The Sugar Act of
1764 was Britain's first step in tightening its imperial control, but it still affected
relatively few people. In contrast, the Stamp Act of 1765 suggested vast changes and a new
playing field. As a result, a fire-storm of opposition arose against this measure. In the
following letter from George Washington to Francis Dandridge, what grounds did Washington
cite for objecting to the Stamp Act? What does he seem to think the results of the Stamp
Act will be? What does Washington see as the preferred way for Britain to profit from the
colonies?
View the original document from George Washington Papers. Use your browser's Back Button to return to this point.
At present few things are under notice of my observation that can afford you any amusement in the recital. The Stamp Act Imposed on the Colonies by the Parliament of Great Britain engrosses the conversation of the Speculative part of the Colonists, who look upon this unconstitutional method of Taxation as a direful attack upon their Liberties, and loudly exclaim against the Violation; what may be the result of this and some other (I think I may add) ill judgd Measures, I will not undertake to determine; but this I may venture to affirm, that the advantage accrueing to the Mother Country will fall greatly short of the expectations of the Ministry; for certain it is, our whole Substance does already in a manner flow to Great Britain and that whatsoever contributes to lessen our Importation's must be hurtful to their Manufacturers. And the Eyes of our People, already beginning to open, will perceive, that many Luxuries which we lavish our substance to Great Britain for, can well be dispensd with whilst the necessaries of Life are (mostly) to be had within ourselves. This consequently will introduce frugality, and be a necessary stimulation to Industry. If Great Britain therefore Loads her Manufactures with heavy Taxes, will it not facilitate these Measures? they will not compel us I think to give our Money for their exports, whether we will or no, and certain I am none of their Traders will part from them without a valuable consideration. Where then is the Utility of these Restrictions? As to the Stamp Act, taken in a single view, one, and the first bad consequences
attending it I take to be this. Our Courts of Judicature must inevitably be shut up; for
it is impossible (or next of kin to it) under our present Circumstances that the Act of
Parliam't can be complyd with were we ever so willing to enforce the execution; for not to
say, which alone woud be sufficient, that we have not Money to pay the Stamps, there are
many other Cogent Reasons to prevent it; and if a stop be put to our judicial proceedings
I fancy the Merchants of G. Britain trading to the Colonies will not be among the last to
wish for a Repeal of it. . . . View the original document from George Washington Papers. Use your browser's Back Button to return to this point. |
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